My speech coaching clients frequently hear me say, “Are you going to do it, or kind of do it? Remember, you do not kind of or sort of do anything.” Even seasoned executives who should know better use these weak words and phrases. Often, they’re trying to sound modest or approachable. Unfortunately, what actually happens […]
Read More...The Secret of How To Get Remembered, Rebooked and Recommended
If you’ve ever watched a presenter who seems to be speaking directly to you—as if they somehow knew your challenges and goals—you’ve experienced the magic of customization. That isn’t luck; it’s strategy. In Deliver Unforgettable Presentations, my co-authors Darren LaCroix, Mark Brown, and I emphasize that when you customize your presentation, it is one of […]
Read More...Executive Presence: What It Really Means and How to Strengthen Yours
The phrase executive presence first appeared in leadership circles in the late 20th century. It quickly became a buzzword in boardrooms, performance reviews, and coaching sessions. Yet for all the talk, it remained elusive. Many ambitious professionals were told, “You need more executive presence”, but few could explain what that meant or how to achieve […]
Read More...A New Market for Me – Who Knew?
For years, I have tracked who followed me on YouTube. The numbers were consistent: 99% were men, and the largest group was ages 55–64. Then I checked my stats for the last 28 days. Imagine my surprise—today, 75% of my viewers are 25–34, 25% are 55–64, and 58% are women. Quite a shift! Even more […]
Read More...What Hollywood Teaches Us: 7 Ways to Become a Speaking Star
To become a better speaker, consider going to the movies. That is the premise of my popular presentation, How to Add Hollywood to Your Presentations. Think about it. If you had unlimited resources to design the keynote that would make you the most in-demand professional in your industry, where would you go for the best […]
Read More...Why Your Audience Connection Determines Your Presentation Success
When preparing for a presentation, most speakers focus on their content and slides. That’s important—but it’s not enough. The real question you must ask yourself is: Who is my audience, and why should they care? Your content may be brilliant, but your impact depends on the relationship you build with your listeners. Do they feel […]
Read More...Do You Want to Inspire Action and Commitment? Use More Active Verbs
At an all-day event, my client asked me to speak briefly to promote my afternoon session. I said, “I know your morning is full, just give me three minutes.” I only took two and a half. I began with an amusing story about a request for an interview, which made the point that your message must be of […]
Read More...Are You Missing Out on a Great Way to Improve Your Presentations?
From Good to World-Class: How to Improve Your Presentations Socrates said, “Know thyself.” I say, “Put your words under the magnifying glass.” If you want to improve all of your presentations, here’s a simple process that works for seasoned professionals as well as ambitious beginners. Step 1: Watch Yourself Like a Coach Take a video […]
Read More...The Power of Structure: Theater Meets Speaking
Recently, I had the joy of seeing the magnificent show A Beautiful Noise at The Smith Center in Las Vegas. This is, of course, the life story of Neil Diamond. Having seen him perform live before, I knew to expect magic, and I wasn’t disappointed. Part of the show’s brilliance is in its structure. It […]
Read More...Do You Agree Many Political Speech Openings Miss Opportunities?
You know how often I speak and write about the critical importance of a strong speech opening. The first words your audience hears don’t just begin your message; they set the tone, command attention, and signal your confidence. In short, the opening arouses interest in the subject and the speaker. This is true whether you’re […]
Read More...
